Libya: African Union gets in the game after complaining of isolation

Posted On 10 February 2020

Number of times this article was read : 92
Addis Ababa, Feb 10, 2020 – The African Union vowed Monday to boost efforts to end the crisis in Libya and support a faltering UN-led peace process, the AU’s Peace and Security Council chief said.   “It’s (the) UN itself which needs us now,” Smail Chergui told reporters on the sidelines of the AU summit in Ethiopia. “It’s time to bring this situation to an end… the two organisations should work hand in hand for that goal,” he added.
Libya has been torn by fighting between rival armed factions since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. But the AU leadership has complained at being overlooked in peacemaking efforts, which have been led primarily by the UN and heavily involved European nations.  But Chergui said the AU could support peace if a cessation of hostilities agreement is finally signed, declaring the AU wanted to be part of an observer
mission to ensure the deal was kept. “This is an African problem, and we have a certain sense that maybe others
do not have,” Chergui said.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said he understood the AU’s “frustration” at having “been put aside” when it comes to Libya.   South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who takes over as AU chair on
Monday, has said Libya would be a key focus of his tenure as the pan-African bloc seeks a more prominent role in solving conflicts on the continent.  Despite AU optimism, analysts are sceptical.  “The AU bandwidth on Libya cannot in any way be compared to the UN’s involvement just in simple terms of knowledge and presence on the ground,” said Claudia Gazzini, from the International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank.  The North African state remains in chaos, mostly split between strongman Khalifa Haftar, who controls eastern Libya, and the UN-recognised government in Tripoli.  Talks between Libya’s warring factions ended on Saturday with no deal on a
ceasefire. The UN has proposed a second round of negotiations for February 18.
By AFP
The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This